5 Most Famous Whisky Drinkers in History

A fine glass of whisky is one of the greatest pleasures in life. There’s no finer feeling after a long day than kicking off your shoes, setting down on your favourite chair, and pouring yourself a glass of your favourite tipple.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of Scotch, Irish whiskey, single malt, blended, bourbon, rye, Japanese whisky, or any other take on this amazing drink, if you enjoy it and it brings pleasure into your life, what’s the harm?

Whisky is universally revered and has been enjoyed by royalty, nobility, the elite, and the rich and famous for centuries now. ‘But, Greg’ I hear you ask, ‘who are these famous whisky-lovers you speak of, and what was their favourite dram’? Well, that’s what I want to talk about today.

Below are just a few examples of famous people, past and present, who were huge fans of whisky.

Sir Winston Churchill

Churchill is arguably the most famous prime minister in British politics, and he certainly outlasted a lettuce.

A prime minister who was influential during the Second World War is recognisable not only for his love of cigars, but also for his fondness for a wee dram or two of whisky.

Whereas Churchill’s ‘fight them on the beaches’ is arguably his most famous quote, there is another well-known Churchill quote in which he spoke about his love for whisky. He is quoted as saying ‘when I was a young subaltern in the South African War, the water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whisky. By diligent effort, I learned to like it’.

Churchill was said to be a big fan of blended Scotch. His drams of choice were Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label.

Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra

Humphrey Bogart, who was also known as ‘Bogie’ is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors to ever live. Literally. In 1999 he was chosen as the greatest male star of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute.

Perhaps his most notable films were Casablanca and The African Queen.

Bogart, who was a multi-time award-winner was the original leader of the Hollywood Rat Pack, of which ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ himself, Frank Sinatra, was president.

Frank Sinatra is often regarded as one of the finest American singers to ever live, though he was also a successful actor. His most notable songs include ‘My Way’ and ‘That’s Life’.

The group’s purpose was said ‘to drink a lot of bourbon and stay up late’. This is somewhat ironic, as Bogart was said to be a fan of Scotch, while Sinatra was a big Jack Daniel’s drinker, which is actually a Tennessee whiskey.

Sinatra was such a huge fan of JD in fact, that he was buried with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 when he passed away in 1998. Jack Daniel’s would even release a bottle of whiskey in his honour, which they called ‘Sinatra’s Select’.

Clark Gable

Fans of Still Game will of course be chuckling away to themselves right now, though Gable didn’t actually prefer his whisky filtered through purple Scottish heather. No, he was in fact more of a bourbon fan.

Clark Gable, often referred to as the ‘King of Hollywood’ enjoyed a film career that spanned nearly four decades. During that time, he won countless awards and appeared in almost 60 movies, including ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’.

As far as his affinity for whiskey is concerned, though, it was Jim Beam that he was particularly fond of.

Ava Gardner

Whereas men are statistically more likely to enjoy whisky than women, there are still plenty of female whisky drinkers out there, and this has always been the case.

Screen siren Ava Gardner for example, was a huge fan of whiskey. Considering she was married to Frank Sinatra, that’s really not surprising. She is famously quoted as saying that she wished to ‘live to 150 years old, but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand, and a glass of whiskey in the other.

Ava, who starred in ‘The Killers’ was a huge fan of bourbon. So much so, in fact, that there is a Ava Gardner Select Bourbon Whiskey produced by Seven Jars Distillery, that was released in her honour.

Honourable Mention – Greg Dillion

Finally, saving the best to last, I have the absolute legend himself, and the co-founder of GreatDrams.com, Greg Dillon AKA ‘me!’

Of course I jest, at least about the famous part, but not about the whisky part. I’m a self-confessed whisky fiend, and while virtually all kinds of whisky appeal to me, a fine single-malt Scotch has a very special place in my heart.

Just like each and every single one of you, I love whisky. It’s a drink for all occasions, there’s something for everyone, it’s inclusive, it’s intricate, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and above all else, it tastes divine!

Tags: Famous Whisky Drinkers

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.